The Story Behind “2000 Miles” by The Pretenders

ONEYEARWARMUSIC – Hey there, fellow music lover and wanderer! Let me take you on a journey through one of my all-time favorite tunes – “2000 Miles” by the incredible rock band The Pretenders.

Lyrics

He's gone two thousand miles
Is very far
The snow is falling down
Gets colder day by day
I miss you
The children were singing
He'll be back at Christmas time
In these frozen and silent nights
Sometimes in a dream, you appear
Outside under the purple sky
Diamonds in the snow sparkle
Our hearts were singing
It felt like Christmastime
Two thousand miles
Is very far through the snow
I'll think of you
Wherever you go
He's gone two thousand miles
Is very far
The snow is falling down
Gets colder day by day
I miss you
I can hear people singing
It must be Christmastime
I hear people singing
It must be Christmastime

The Inspiration Behind the Song

When Chrissie Hynde, the lead singer and songwriter, penned this gem, she was feeling the longing and homesickness that comes with being a touring musician. You know how it is – you’re constantly on the road, playing gigs in different cities, and sometimes all you want is to be back home with your loved ones.

The song’s title itself is a nod to the distance between Akron, Ohio (Hynde’s hometown) and London, England (where she was living at the time). That’s roughly 2000 miles apart, and the lyrics capture the yearning to close that gap.

The Lyrics that Tug at Your Heartstrings

Here are some of the lyrics that really resonate with me as a traveling artist:

Window, bright signal flashing by
Darkness falls, and I’m alone

When you’re on the road, constantly moving from one place to another, the scenery just becomes a blur outside the tour bus window. And despite being surrounded by your band mates, there’s a sense of loneliness that creeps in.

Radio, crackling as we go
Static keeps the rhythm as we roll

These lines paint such a vivid picture of the soundtrack to a road trip. The radio, with its static and crackles, becomes a constant companion, keeping time with the rhythm of the wheels on the asphalt.

Winter’s grey, **I’m *home* again**
Christmas, **staying up to *greet* the dawn**

And then, when you finally make it back home, there’s that warm, fuzzy feeling of familiarity. The winter chill, the Christmas celebrations, and the anticipation of a new day – it’s all so comforting after being away for so long.

The Emotions Behind the Tune

As a musician, I can’t help but connect with the raw emotions that Hynde pours into this song. It’s a beautiful blend of nostalgia, longing, and appreciation for the simple things in life.

Emotion	Description
Nostalgia	The song evokes memories of home, family, and traditions.
Longing	It captures the desire to be reunited with loved ones after being apart.
Appreciation	There’s a gratitude for the small moments that make home feel like home.

Why “2000 Miles” Resonates with Travelers

Whether you’re a musician, a backpacker, or someone who just loves exploring new places, this song strikes a chord. It perfectly encapsulates the mixed emotions that come with being on the road:

• The excitement of new experiences
• The wistfulness of missing home
• The joy of finally returning

As a touring artist, I can attest to the fact that “2000 Miles” is a universal anthem for wanderers. It’s a reminder that no matter how far you roam, there’s always a place called home waiting for you.

The Legacy of “2000 Miles”

Over the years, this classic tune has been covered by countless artists, from Coldplay to The Killers. It’s a testament to the timeless quality of Hynde’s songwriting and the relatable theme of longing for home.

So, the next time you find yourself on the road, whether it’s for a tour or a solo adventure, queue up “2000 Miles” and let it be the soundtrack to your journey. Trust me, it’ll make you feel a little closer to home, no matter how many miles you’ve traveled.

That’s all from me, fellow globetrotter! Keep exploring, keep creating, and keep that wanderlust alive. And remember, no matter where your adventures take you, there’s always a place to call home.